“My journey with the WEO International School of EUS (WISE) began in early 2023, when I first came across the announcement of the program on the WEO website. Driven by a strong desire to deepen my knowledge of EUS, I was immediately drawn to what looked like a unique and promising educational opportunity.
The program’s structure stood out instantly: five well-organized modules covering the most essential aspects of EUS — from basic anatomy and diagnostic applications to advanced therapeutic procedures. The lectures were delivered by world-renowned experts, complemented by live case demonstrations from leading EUS centers. Equally appealing was the chance to connect with colleagues from around the world who shared the same passion for EUS. The road ahead seemed demanding, but I was ready to take on the challenge.
The first hurdle was the selection process — over a hundred candidates applied. After preparing my CV, motivation letter, and presentation video, I crossed my fingers and waited anxiously. In February 2023, I received the message I had been hoping for: 'I am very pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the WISE 2023 online training program.' That moment brought both excitement and a deep sense of responsibility — the journey had truly begun.
The five modules that followed were intense and rewarding. Each session encouraged participants to present clinical cases — not only those showcasing success stories, but also the more challenging and complex scenarios. These cases were discussed with experts, who always provided insightful and constructive feedback. Every module also included a multiple-choice test, which pushed us to consolidate theoretical knowledge and prepare thoroughly. During the program, we were also encouraged to submit abstracts to the EUS Summit 2023 hybrid meeting, held in Seoul that October.
At the end of the online course, the six top-performing participants were announced and awarded the opportunity to join the WISE hands-on training at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea. I was honored to be among them.
The much-anticipated WISE hands-on training took place in October 2025 in Seoul, bringing together 12 participants from different WISE editions and various corners of the world. After a weekend at the EUS Summit 2025, we embarked on an intense and unforgettable week at Asan Medical Center. Each morning, we observed live procedures and had our questions answered in real time by the local faculty. In the afternoons, after technical reviews presented by the participants, we practiced a variety of EUS-guided therapeutic techniques on mechanical simulators and animal models — including pseudocyst drainage, gastrojejunostomy, radiofrequency ablation, fiducial marker placement, and deployment of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs).
Looking back, what initially seemed like 'just another online course' evolved into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The WISE program not only strengthened my foundation in EUS but also allowed me to develop new hands-on skills that will undoubtedly shape my professional future.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the WEO for this incredible opportunity — especially to Laura Schleser-Low for her outstanding coordination, to Sohee Lee for organizing all the logistics, to the local faculty for their kindness and constant availability, to my fellow participants who taught me so much and became true friends, and, last but certainly not least, to Professor Dong-Wan Seo, whose dedication, expertise, and passion inspired us all.“
Tiago Cúrdia Gonçalves (Portugal)
Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira – Guimarães
The WEO International School of EUS (WISE), founded in 2018, is a state-of-the-art EUS training program focused on teaching a specialized group of doctors in their early careers. WEO’s aim is to groom the selected trainees, providing the necessary tools to become future leaders in the area of EUS. WEO is delighted to partner with the Asian EUS Group Korea for this important initiative. Under the guidance of course founder and director, Professor Dong-Wan Seo, WISE trainees can expect to be exposed to the full spectrum of EUS training, from basic anatomy to interventional and advanced EUS. WISE courses are comprised of online lectures, case presentations, and onsite training where applicable.
Applications for WISE 2026 open on December 1, 2025 and close on January 12, 2026.
For more information, please visit WEO International School of EUS (WISE) | World Endoscopy Organization.
WISE would like to express its greatest appreciation to the following supporters: Olympus, Fujifilm, Steris, Taewoong, Boston Scientific, MI Tech
